Psalm 84:5

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

PRAYER

Lord God, help me set my heart on pilgrimage and discover you in a new way. Reveal the next step to take and give me the courage to take it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Devotions

This week we are exploring how the mission-minded identity helps us set our hearts on pilgrimage. The word pilgrimage from our Scripture verse means a long journey or quest for purpose. In other words, a heart set on pilgrimage is a heart intent on discovery. And a heart intent on discovery is a telling picture of how God has designed us to approach our life with Him.

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. When we adopt the missional mindset amid our mess, our life becomes daring, unique, and contains an uncommon beauty. We do this one step at a time. Intentional. Committed. Surrendered. 

Yet, every step we take requires a decision. A decision that affects our direction. Left or right. Stay or go. We are challenged to choose wisely. But with choices galore littering our landscape, we can quickly get off-course. This is where the truth of Scripture and the spiritual presence of conviction will make a mark. 

Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus while her sister Martha chose to serve. Both choices were good in their own right but Mary’s was considered a ‘better’ choice in that moment. We too are called to assess our moments and make the better decision regardless of the cost.

Why? Because every step we take, regardless of where we go and what we do, tells a story. While we are all faced with different moments of decision, the end goal is still the same—to bring glory to God.

Take a moment to ponder where you stand on the timeline of your life journey. Are you aligned with God’s overall mission? How about the unique mission He’s called you to pursue? Are you heading in the right direction or do you need to course-correct? 

Most likely you have a decision to make. Peel away all the reasons you can’t, and the excuses why you shouldn’t, and determine which step will set your feet in the right direction. This will require putting some prayer time on the clock. Listen to God’s voice so you can heed His direction. Or His correction. 

God’s plan is simple: Hear me. Trust me. Follow me.

A heart set on pilgrimage starts with one step of obedience. And then another. This is what faith in action looks like: Noah built the arc, Abraham left his home, Joseph served in prison, Moses lead Israel through the wilderness, David fought Goliath, the Disciples taught a new truth, Mary prepared Jesus with perfume, and Jesus carried his cross. Each mission was paved with purposeful steps and hearts set on discovery.

Taking the next step is the catalyst to unlock the power of influence to impact the world in which we live. Life is short. We have a mission-minded journey to discover. Perhaps it’s time to put your faith into action, one obedient step at a time.

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed, and be intentional as you take one step on purpose today.